Top 10 tips on how to sell on eBay successfully

Many people start to use eBay to sell unwanted domestic items, however, with the popularity of this market place increasing across the world, businesses are now using the platform as a successful route to market.

For new users, one of the key concerns is how to successfully sell on eBay, therefore, we have put together 10 top tips about the best way to start selling on the channel.

Firstly you should identify what it is you intend to sell and then follow these practical tips.

1. Carry out research

Think about the product or products you wish to sell and the practical aspects. How will you package them, how will you ship them? Do you have adequate storage space in your warehouse or office? Could this space be utilised more effectively? Do you have enough space to store different types of boxes if the products vary in size.

Are you looking to start small and grow your business, or are you going to start big and go for it?

2. What will your User ID be?

When choosing a username, will it reflect what you sell or would you rather have a catchy sounding name which customers won’t forget and search for again? One thing to check is that your chosen name hasn’t already been taken.

3. Think about your branding

When listing your products develop your own style when it comes to product descriptions, images and showcase a brand that will make you stand out from the rest.

4. Be aware of fees

It’s important to know the eBay fee structure. Even one penny can make a significant difference in the fees charged by eBay to list your products. This difference can add up to hundreds of pounds when you start a listing large amount of products, ultimately impacting on profit.

5. Get feedback

When you become an eBay seller it’s important to get feedback from your customers, ideally 100, but certainly 25 positive feedback posts to start with. Feedback gives customers confidence that you are a genuine business.

Reviewing other sellers feedback is also good to gauge their performance on the marketplace.

6. Know your suppliers

It’s vital to secure a reliable and cost effective supply chain. Get to know your suppliers, and their competitors, and buy smart.

Also, investigate suppliers during your initial research, as well as continually review your supply chain to ensure great service and quality products.

7. Packaging

When considering packaging for your products, particularly if boxes are required, there are different kinds of boxes on the market. You may also want to think about types of cardboard for packaging, cardboard thicknesses, together with how much weight can a cardboard box hold. Our box finder tool may be a useful resource for you to find boxes which suit your products, and you may wish to consider buying boxes in bulk which is not only cost effective, but elevates the risk of running out, particularly in peak sale times.

What’s more, ensuring products reach their new owners in perfect condition is paramount, especially if you want them to reorder in the future.

8. Stock Control

If you intend to start selling products in volume, it’s important to have a certain level of stock to get started. Also, think about ways of keeping on track of orders, so that you have stock readily available to sell for future demand.

9. Selling Tools

If you are selling in bulk e.g. more than 25 listings a week, then it would be a good idea to consider using the eBay selling tools.

Turbo Lister is ideal for prepping your listings early and uploading in one go. There are also other tools available which may be useful.

If you are going to sell more than 100 items per week, you may want to consider using some 3rd party providers such as Marketworks or Channel Advisor who you can find details about online.

10. Time Management

Selling on eBay can be time consuming and distracting from other business duties, therefore think about how much time you are going to allocate to this sales activity.

Setting up some processes and procedures could be a good idea to get off to a good start with some clear direction.

Other things to consider when you want to sell stuff on eBay

How will you answer questions about products, or will you put additional information in the product listing?

How will you handle negative feedback?

Will you be including compliment slips or flyers with each parcel sent out?

If you’re looking to start selling on eBay, and want to get your packaging boxed up, please do not hesitate to drop us a line on 01942 524 256 or take a look around our website at the various types of boxes we have available.